To improve, protect and preserve the appearance, character, value and safety of the town’s urban area and nearby properties. In addition to improving and preserving landscaping during development, there are reasons for both the use of landscaping and buffers.
(A) Screening between incompatible adjacent land uses. Zoning was once built on a strict separation of land uses. Today, that is no longer the case. Greater freedom in the use of property and privacy for the landowner can be had through buffering between land uses with vegetation, land forms or distance.
(B) Erosion control and water pollution. Trees and plants reduce erosion by binding soil particles with their roots and holding the soil together against the effects of wind and water. When development occurs and impervious surfaces are created, for example, asphalt, concrete, the flow of water across exposed soils can greatly increase, causing serious water pollution problems. Vegetation can slow the runoff by acting as a sponge, gradually releasing snow or rain. This results in an improvement of water quality and reduces the need for engineered drainage solutions.
(C) Modification of the climate in the immediate vicinity. Landscaping as well as other forms of land form such as berms can improve air quality and moderate daily temperature by absorbing pollution, providing shade and offering protection from the wind. In addition, trees, grass, leaves, shrubs, even twigs and branches, can absorb and disperse sound energy, reducing overall noise levels.
(D) Aesthetics. Often without the softening effect of trees and shrubs, the modern day built environment appears harsh and uninviting.
(Ord. 10.10, passed 5-19-2009)